Three-year-old Mediterraneo Gigiri, Nairobi’s corner of Italy, is located in the upmarket Gigiri area. Being near the United Nations office, diners who frequent the establishment are mostly expatriates.

In Kenya, expats are considered a moneyed bunch with tax-free salaries. This is reflected in Mediterraneo’s prices, which are intended to help expats get rid of some of their excess “cash baggage.”

The spacious restaurant is situated in a large villa painted bright a Tuscan yellow, which evokes Italy. But it is only when you see the white stone statues and fountain on the perfectly manicured lawn overlooked by the patio that the feeling of walking in Florence really sinks in.

The Italian love for wining and dining is evident in the wide menu selection, which features a lot of pizza and pasta. Exclusive to Mediterraneo is the “Pizza a Metro” where diners can have their four favorite pizzas cooked on a meter-long dough base.

The chicken diavola, also referred to as “Galletto Amburghese alla Diavola” was promptly served on pristine white china after only eight minutes, before I even had the chance to finish my bread-based appetizer. This tasty delight comprised grilled whole spring chicken marinated in fresh herb chili and served with grilled vegetables and fries.

Premium wines, include Fragolino white, Gewurztraminer Tolloy, Mezzacorona Teroldego, and my all time favorite, Calittera Reserva Chardonnay, are available as house wines. The Calittera – of which I had only 150 ml – bears an intense nose that recalls passionfruit and pineapple. In the mouth it exhibits sweet flavors with lively acidity and an elegant finish.

Outside, where I sat, got a bit nippy as the clock raced past 8pm, but the staff was quick in providing coal heaters that added to the cozy feel.

Mediterraneo is a great place to hold a business meeting, a lunch date with that special someone, or a family day out. It transcends its role as a restaurant by creating ambiance that – with good company and conversation – could make diners lose track of time.